Following is an interview with Travis Widrick who runs/teaches Intro To Tango dance classes and organizes Argentine Milonga dance parties. In the past, we’ve covered a number of tango related events that Travis has been involved with. When Travis reached out to me to tell me that he had landed The Foundry building (Elmwood Avenue), a regular home for his new classes and dances, I decided that it was time to ask him some questions about the local tango scene, and his persistence and determination to turn it up a notch. To start, I asked him about The Foundry, and why it was his go-to choice for running the Tango operation in Buffalo.
The Foundry Lounge & Bar is the classiest new hotspot in Buffalo, offering a luxurious atmosphere, affordable and tasty drinks and small plates, and now, also offers Argentine Tango classes and dancing weekly.
Will this be a permanent place?
Yes, we are planning to have weekly Tango classes and dances there every Thursday night. There will be a complimentary 1/2 hour “Intro To Tango” Class at 7:30 and dancing until 11:00. The event is FREE to anyone attending tango for the first time. Open to the Public.
Complimentary “Intro To Tango” Class at 7:30 pm
Argentine Milonga (Dance party) from 8pm to 11pm
Is there a tango contingent in Buffalo?
Yes! Tango dancing in Buffalo is bringing Buffalonians together. With the combination of dancing, human interaction and artistic expression, the Tango can become addictive. Once you start Tango it’s hard to stop. Plus, the Tango community is very welcoming and eager to share their love of Tango with newcomers.
Is the dance community growing?
Yes, every week we see new people of all ages and backgrounds coming to Tango. The best thing about tango is that anyone can do it. It’s universal.
What has dance done for you, to shape your life?
Tango is my life. Believe it or not, I grew up on a dairy farm in upstate NY far from any Tango dance. No dance background whatsoever. I began dancing in 2007. Over the last ten + years I have learned how to dance, gained self confidence and had the pleasure to teach hundreds of people how to dance the tango. I also had the opportunity to travel around the world meeting thousands of people who were all passionate about learning and dancing Argentine Tango.
What is the biggest benefit of dancing tango?
There are many benefits. I would say the biggest benefit of dancing Argentine Tango is being part of a local and worldwide community.
When did you first start dancing tango and why?
I first started dancing Tango after being invited by a friend. At that time I had no interest in dance or Tango. I did have an athletic background so learning at the beginning came somewhat naturally. Dancing close (in a tango embrace) with another person was another story, but that quickly changed and now I don’t know what I would do without the human physical connection that tango provides. Tango changed my life.
When did you start teaching it?
I began teaching Tango 8 years ago completely by chance. I had no plan on becoming a Tango Instructor. My class started with a few people and over time it kept growing and growing. Eventually I gave up my regular day job and started teaching Tango full time. Now I have weekly classes, practice sessions and Milongas (tango dances) every week.
Do people travel for tango?
Yes, Tango dancers take Tango road trips all the time. It is a great way to meet other tango dancers in other cities. Personally, I have traveled all over the US and Canada, I have danced in Prague in Check Republic and I also spent three months in the mecca of Tango Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I was able to improve my tango skills and experience Argentine Culture.
What’s the best music artist to tango to?
The best music to dance Tango to are any tango recordings from the “Golden Age of Tango”. This era was from around 1935 to 1955. Some of the best Tango music from Argentina was created during this time. The recordings from the era are most commonly played at tango events around the world today. Some popular Tango Orquestras are Carlos Di Sarli and Francisco Canaro. More famous, but not played as much for dancing Tango is Astor Piazzolla.
Is there a tango community in Buffalo?
Yes, the community here in Buffalo is great. It’s like a family. Everyone learns together, shares together, attend events together, support each other and are constantly excited and learning more about tango.
What would you like to see happen in the future, regarding tango in this city?
I want Tango in Buffalo to become as popular as the Buffalo Bills, chicken wings, and Beef on Weck. I think this can be accomplished by building bridges with other similar rising groups in the city who share the objective of bringing Buffalo together as a community. Right now we partner with both Ashker’s Juice Bar and The Foundry.
Please list all of the classes and venues where you currently offer classes.
Learn to Tango in Buffalo
8 week Tango series Sundays or Thursdays
SUNDAYS CLASSES
March 13th – May 15th
ASHKER’S JUICE BAR
1002 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222
Level I: Tango for Complete Beginners 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Level II: Intermediate Tango 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
THURSDAYS CLASSES
March 17th – May 5th
THE FOUNDRY LOUNGE & BAR
1738 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
Level I: Tango for Complete Beginners 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Pre registration required for all classes.
THURSDAYS DANCING (weekly)
El Abrazo Milonga (dance party)
7:30 Complimentary 1/2 hour “Intro to Tango” Class
8:00 to 11:00 Open Tango dancing
First time is always Free to anyone attending tango for the first time.
General admission $10 . $5 with student ID.
Special Event
FREE TANGO OPEN HOUSE ~ 3/01/16
@THE FOUNDRY LOUNGE & BAR
Tuesday, March 1st
5:30 Happy Hour drink specials and complimentary snacks.
6:30 Argentine Tango Lesson with Travis Widrick Tango School
7:30 Tango Performances by the Buffalo Tango Performance Group
8:00 Registration for Classes & Open Dancing
www.traviswidricktango.com